Proof That Tilda Swinton Is The Chameleon Actress Of Our Time

If there's one thing that you can count on when it comes to actress Tilda Swinton, it's that you will likely not recognize her in character at first. That's because she is a total chameleon. The proof is in the photos because believe it or not, that old man to your right is Swinton.

In the upcoming remake of the 1977 horror filmSuspiria, Swinton plays an older man named Lutz Ebersdorf. Leave it to Swinton to literally knock our socks off just with her appearance.

But this is just one of the many times that the impressive and immersive Swinton has totally transformed herself into her characters. Yes, much of it is due to a talented makeup and hair teams, but it's also a testament to her flexible demeanor and attitude. She doesn't just look like an old man in this photo — she literally embodies one. If I passed her on the street, with that posture and that expression, I'd smile and think of my own grandparents. I'd be floored to find out the person behind the mask of makeup was a 56-year-old British woman. But that's the beauty of Hollywood — it gives us chameleons like Swinton.

Let's revisit just a few of her many incredible movie makeovers, makeunders, and metamorphoses.

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Wittgenstein (1993)

In this theatrical film, Swinton embodied the English aristocrat, Lady Ottoline Morrell. Her opulence, extravagance, and artistry just oozes as she appears in the film smothered in feathers and jewels.

Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.

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The Grand Budapest Hotel(2013)

She's also dramatically aged herself before —but as a woman. InWes Anderson's fantastic film, she added a sky-high wig, stiff mannerisms, and a few liver spots to transform into the old socialite, Madame D.

Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.

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Snowpiercer (2013)

In an interview with Deadline, Swinton revealed that her character in the film, the dictator Mason, was written for a man. But that didn't stop the film's director Bong Joon-ho who encouraged her to take the part despite the description of the character being a "mild-mannered man in a suit." You can even watch a video of her transformation, here.

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A Bigger Splash (2015)

Swinton's David Bowie-esque character, Marianne Lane, is a rock star taking a moment out of the spotlight. That too-cool vibe is palpable from the moment she appears on-screen.

Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.

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Trainwreck (2015)

While Swinton's Trainwreck appearance looks more like a makeover than a major metamorphosis, it's safe to say that the actress was unrecognizable at first with her honey-colored extensions, and subtle smokey-eye while portraying an insufferable magazine editor.